Mumbai, India (CU)_ The government has issued the draft of the Indian Telecommunications Bill, 2022, which includes a provision to eliminate fees and penalties of telecom and internet service providers. The government has recommended a mechanism for fee refunds in the event that a telecom or internet service provider gives up their license. Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a social media post along with a link to the draft bill. He wrote, “Seeking your views on the draft Indian Telecom Bill 2022”.
Ratan Tata, along with other renowned individuals, joined the PM CARES Fund as a trustee. The feedback period for the draft ends on October 20. According to the draft, “The central government may waive in part or full any fee, including entry fees, license fees, registrations fees or any other fees or charges, interest, additional charges or penalty for any license holder or registered entity under the telecom rules”.
The law aims to exclude from interception press messages intended for publication in India sent by journalists accredited by the national or state government. According to the proposal, the exemption would not be allowed in the event of a public emergency or in the interest of public safety, sovereignty, integrity, or security of India, close ties with other governments, public order, or the prevention of criminal incitement.
According to the draft bill, “In such cases, any message or class of messages, to or from any person or class of persons, or relating to any particular subject, brought for transmission by, or transmitted or received by any telecommunication services or telecommunication network, shall not be transmitted, or shall be intercepted or detained or disclosed to the authorized officer”.
